Island Hopping in Australia: 9 idyllic islands to explore
Tasmania’s largest island, Bruny Island, is a 362-square-kilometer island off the south-east coast of the island. The island of Bruny is a popular day trip for tourists visiting Australia’s largest island. The island’s narrow connection to South Bruny is the island’s most scenic natural feature. It is home to fairies, seals, rainforest walking paths, wonderful beaches, and towering cliffs. There are many great islands near Australia to visit for a holiday.
Distance from Australia: 2357 km
Bruny Island
The 362-square-kilometre Bruny Island lies off the south-east coast of Tasmania, Australia and is a popular day-trip spot for tourists visiting the country’s largest island. The island’s narrow connection to South Bruny is the island’s most scenic natural feature. It is home to fairies, seals, rainforest walking paths, wonderful beaches, and towering cliffs. In terms of holiday destinations near Australia, this is one of the best.
It is also a popular wildlife spot. The rare Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle, dusky antechinus and Bennett’s wallabies call Bruny Island their home. It was originally named New Jerusalem by its first settlers before it was changed to Bruny Island some time later.
Magnetic Island
A National Park covers more than half of Magnetic Island, which provides sanctuary for wildlife like wallabies and wild koalas. Captain Cook named this island because of the magnetic effect it had on his ship’s compass. It is one of the best winter destinations near Australia thanks to its coral reef “Maggie.”.
Maggie is a large artificial reef system constructed from steel with sections that can be sunk or raised depending on tidal conditions. Swimming above Maggie will provide divers with an amazing variety of sea life including crabs, eels, sponges, shrimp, and many different types of fish such as sharks, octopuses and rays.
Distance from Australia : 1506 km
Christmas Island
Christmas Island is a territory of Australia in the Indian Ocean, situated south of Java. Almost two-thirds of its lands are part of national parkland. Some of the best-known endemic species in The Island are the red crabs. Every November, when they make their annual journey to the ocean, their migration has been dubbed one of nature’s greatest wonders. In comparison to other islands near Australia, this is one of the best.
Distance from Australia : 3385 km
Phillip Island
More than three million people travel to the Phillip Island every year to view penguins in their natural habitat. During the summer, Phillip Island is a common tourist destination for Melburnians and is a popular spot for surfers. Along with other popular activities, visitors can go on a hike, bike ride, fish, or go sailing. The island has lots of different marsupials, including kangaroos, wombats, and wallabies.
Distance from Australia : 1819 km
Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is in Western Australia, just off the coast of Perth. Among the hundreds of islands off the coast of Western Australia, Rottnest is famous for its quokkas; you can even see them on the beach! Its stunning reefs and abundant beaches make it a perfect place for swimming, but you’ll need a bike to get around because there are only government vehicles allowed on the island.
Distance from Australia : 1928
Lord Howe Island
Shaped like a crescent moon, Lord Howe Island is a remote tropical isle located in between Australia and New Zealand. A perfect destination for swimming, snorkeling and diving, it is the perfect destination. Hundreds of birds call the island home, so if you happen to have a pair of binoculars, you might as well go bird-watching. If you’re the adventurous type, be sure to set out for the tallest peak of Mount Gower.
Distance from Australia : 2563 km
Kangaroo Island
Approximately a third of the island is part of National Parks, where thousands of Wallabies, Koalas and Kangaroos roam free. Also abundant are creatures from penguins to fur seals and sea lions. Sand dunes of Little Sahara, cliff formations, caves, and Flinders Chase National Park, an Australian island is the perfect getaway.
Distance from Australia: 1212 km
Fraser Island
Off the coast of eastern Queensland in Australia is the world’s largest sand island, 120 kilometers long. Since time immemorial, ocean currents have dumped sand on the beaches of Fraser Island. Although the island is no desert, Fraser is known for its famous dingoes and as one of the best spots in the world to watch humpback whales.
Distance from Australia: 1944 km
Whitsunday Island
The Whitsundays are made up of 74 islands located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The island is remnants of volcanoes that erupted ages ago. Whitsunday Islands boast some of Australia’s most surreal and beautiful landscapes. The white sands are composed of silica which prevents the heat retention, making it perfect for leisurely barefoot strolls along the beach.
